Shark Island Lighthouse.

 



One of the most charming pieces of architecture in the country can be found in the quaint, little seaside town of Lüderitz. In fact, it is one of the main reasons we keep going back to this unreal, remote place wedged between the Atlantic to the West, the Namib to the East and two restricted areas to the North and South. The moment you enter Shark Island Lighthouse, perched on a steep rock just outside Lüderitz, the possibilities that this gem hold suggest themselves to you. The squeaky floor planks, the old French windows, and of course the lighthouse tower with the spiral staircase that leads all the way up to a roof-top terrace. The signs of neglect and non-maintenance can be seen all over this NWR property, but this only adds to your urge to buy it and turn it into a small guest house or cafe. The view from the front porch is so amazing, you can just sit there all day long and watch the fishermen without the slightest sense of boredom.

Que Tapas.

We try to stay away from soulless malls and too much retail pollution. And until recently there was no good reason to head for Maerua Mall, most definitely not for food. Unless you like some uniform junk from Wimpy or Panarottis that is. Enter a few Spaniards with enough style and vibe to make even the most drab shopping arcade a happening place. Whenever we feel like some leisurely eating and a glass of red or cold cerveza, we now head for Qué Tapas on the upper level of the Maerua courtyard. If the Spanish regulars you can meet there on any evening of the week are anything to go by, the tapas on offer are authentic Iberian fare. Try a portion of tortilla and some olives in oil and garlic!

Mopane.





Try something new this year for decorations. Thanks to the versatile Mopane tree, which provides us with its signature angel wing leaves, Easter and Christmas and any other special occasion can easily become uniquely Namibian. Try to dust them with gold spray to make intricate ornaments. Or maybe make them appear on eggs, which you have coloured with onion peel with only the distinct Mopane shape remaining uncoloured. Be on the lookout, there will soon be essential oils from Mopane pods to fragrance your body lotion and shampoo. So, what applications can you think of for Mopane?